Gom Mirian
In a move that could have far-reaching implications for global healthcare, world leaders have approved a new Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly High-Level Meeting in Mew York.
The declaration is designed to expand the ambition for health and well-being in a post-COVID world, as well as to mmobilise the necessary political commitments and financial investments to attain the UHC target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
According to officials, this will further measure the ability of countries to ensure that everyone receives the health care they need, when and where they need it, without facing financial hardship.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated in a document posted on its website on Thursday. It disclosed that the staggering statistics showing that at least 4.5 billion people, or more than half of the world’s population, did not have access to all essential health services by 2021 made it clear how urgent the declaration is.
He continued by stating that over 1.3 billion people were forced into poverty while seeking to receive basic medical treatment, which was a clear illustration of the growing health disparities, and that two billion people have reportedly faced financial hardship.
“Ultimately, universal health coverage is a choice a political choice.
“The political declaration countries approved today is a strong signal that they are making that choice. But the choice is not just made on paper. It’s made in budget decisions and policy decisions. Most of all, it’s made by investing in primary health care, which is the most inclusive, equitable, and efficient path to universal health coverage,” he said.
